THE full list of categories for this year's Herald online fashion awards has been unveiled, with retailers, designers and bloggers all in with a chance of success on the night.
The judges are on the lookout for the top digital businesses that are doing something special to celebrate Scottish fashion and will be judging across 12 categories.
The award categories include Best Scottish Online Retailer, Blogger of the Year, Twitterati of the Year and Luxury Online Boutique of the Year.
Each of the categories is open for entry until September 17 with applications submitted via the online form at www.heraldfashion.co.uk/entry/
Blogger of the Year is sponsored by House of Fraser. Lynne Herlihy, Glasgow store manager, said: “We are looking for bloggers with a genuine understanding of trends with their own identifiable style.
"Bloggers have never been more influential, it’s an authentic account of what’s happening in the fashion world from a ‘real person’ that’s what makes it so appealing to the reader. It’s a trusted impartial review and fashion brands understand the importance of the blogger to their customer.”
With sustainable fashion starting to trend with most new innovative designers and bloggers, there is a new category to award the Best Sustainable Online Business for 2015.
Lynn Wilson, from Zero Waste Scotland and Love Your Clothes, said: “Our aim is to inspire people to value their clothes and we hope the entrants share our passion for reducing waste in the industry and giving clothes and a longer life.”
Entrepreneurs who are developing new businesses online will also be recognised in the Scottish Online Fashion Graduate of the Year award, sponsored by Bridge 2 Business.
Brian McEwan, programme manager of Bridge 2 Business said:" The Online Scottish Fashion Graduate of the Year entrants will have a stylish and recognisable brand identity in their physical product offering. This will be closely matched by the virtual retail experience and theme they aim to provide to their target audience.
"The graduate must have a recognised company signature, and there should be a close synergy between the online and physical aspects of their business."
Another new sponsor for this year is mtc., who are supporting the Best Online Newcomer award.
David Rankine, business development director of mtc., said: "If entrants want to make the final shortlist, their online presence will need to mix creativity with functionality on-top-of a sound business model."
The judging panel includes Chris Hunt of Genuine PR, Sheri Scott of Betty & Bee, Marion White of Fatbuzz, Design in Action researcher Dr Jen Ballie and photographer Stewart Bryden.
Ms Scott said: “This past year has shown some incredible growth in the industry, with new designers, bloggers and retailers pushing the spotlight on to the incredible talent we have in Scotland.”
Ms White, the social media expert on the panel, said: “It's great to be able to support innovation and talent in the fashion sector.”
Ms Ballie, research fellow at Dundee University, added: “I am an advocate of more mindful and ethical approaches to online retail and it’s a privilege to be part of this exciting event that is partnered by Zero Waste Scotland, Love Your Clothes.”
The awards ceremony, hosted by Janice Forsyth and with a fashion show from Scotland Re:Designed, will be held on November 15 at The Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow.
Entry to the awards is free, while tickets to the ceremony cost £60.
Entry deadline is Thursday, September 17, 2015.
You can follow all news on this event using #heraldfashion
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